Seven Steps That Led to a Limited Monarchy in England

Magna Carta

Jan 1, 1215

The signing of the Magna Carta protected nobles/barons rights and took power away from the monarchy. It was one of the firt steps in creating a limited monarchy.

English Civil War

Aug 22, 1642

The English Civil War contributed to the limited monarchy because it led to the abolishment of the monarchy and the encouragement of anti-monarch sentiment among many people. The English Civil War is a representation of the people literally standing up against the monarchy.

Execution of Charles I

Jan 30, 1649

Charles I believed in divine right and resented sharing power with parliament. His people were idssatisfied with him and his levying of taxes. Parliament sought to curb his power. He fought back and was eventually executed for treason. This led to the end of the English Civil War and an abolishment of the monarchy until 1660. This contributed to a limited monarchy because the people were fed up with the monarch's actions and believed they were not properly represented in government.

Glorious Revolution

Nov 1, 1688

This put William and Mary on the throne in an almost bloodless revolution. It led to a limited monarchy because they had to sign a Bill of Rights presented by the parliament in order for proceedings to continue. This provided the poeple with more rights and took away some power from the monarchy.

Bill of Rights

Jan 1, 1689

This document took away the power of the king to make any laws without the consent of parliament. This led to a limited monarchy becuase it undermined and decreased the power of the monarchy.

Act of Settlement

Jan 1, 1701

The Act of Settlement was an act by parliament to settle the succession of the throne. This was a move to a limited monarchy because if showed that the parliamnet was wielding the important power, not the monarchy. The parliament was slowly gaining more and more power.

First Prime Minister

Apr 4, 1721

More power was taken from the monarchy and given to the gentry. The first prime minister took responsibiliity away from the monarchy and led to a limited monarchy in which the parliament and the prime minister were the key participants.